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News from Around the College, 2018

United Association of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Technicians, Local 1, apprentices who graduated from SUNY Empire State College in the fall of 2017 were recognized at a ceremony held on Thursday, Nov. 9.

New York City UA Local 1 Plumbers Complete Their SUNY Empire Degrees

Posted January 3, 2018

The graduates included 26 apprentices who completed their SUNY Empire State College associate degrees through UA Local 1’s partnership with the college’s Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Studies. UA Local 1 apprentices, who complete four years of on-the-job training prior to becoming journeymen, receive a full college scholarship from their union. ... MORE

Professors Desalyn De-Souza, center, and Tracy Galuski, far right, participated in an early childhood development conference with the University of the West Indies.

Professors De-Souza and Galuski Advance Early Childhood Education with the University of the West Indies and the Dudley Grant Memorial Trust

Posted January 3, 2018

The early-care and education system in Jamaica is currently working toward licensing all schools on the island. De-Souza and Galuski visited programs that have earned certification and those currently in process. Importantly, De-Souza noted that in order to open doors in the U.S., a Jamaican program must first obtain licensure. ... MORE

From left to right are Professor David Fullard, program participants Qwiheim Marina and Irving Barrero, Professor Dianne Ramdeholl, program participant Job Rodriquez, adjunct faculty member Barbara Tischler and Professor Steve Tischler, and program participant Rene Perez at SUNY Empire State College’s 325 Hudson Street location in Manhattan.

New, Experimental Program Facilitates Entry and Reentry to College for Individuals Previously Involved with the Criminal Justice System

Posted January 22, 2018

This noncredit program is designed to provide reentering citizens with college-ready skills in writing, critical reading, public speaking, note taking, basic college-level math and several other academic areas. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Assistant Registrar Vanessa Redfield, at left, and Susan Bruce, the college’s veteran and military services coordinator, volunteered to lay wreaths on the graves of veterans as part of Wreaths Across America.

SUNY Empire Participates in Wreaths Across America

Posted January 22, 2018

Nearly 50 members of the SUNY Empire State College community participated in the Wreaths Across America, a national event honoring deceased veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. ... MORE

Natural Langdon artwork

Empire State College Honors the Legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his 50th Anniversary in Celebration of Black History Month

Posted January 24, 2018

(BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 7, 2018) – In celebration of Black History month, SUNY Empire State College presents the art exhibition, “Fifty Years Still Dreaming,” in honor of Dr. King’s legacy. The works by current students and alumni reflect their individual views of this iconic figure in American history. Visual art faculty and SUNY Empire alumnus, Raúl Manzano, Ph.D., is the curator. Julia Primus, B.A., an alumna, is the assistant curator. ... MORE

Alumnus Natural Langdon ’17 and Terry Boddie, a member of the college's faculty and a visual artist, talk during the opening reception for

Opening Reception for Art Exhibition, “50 Years Still Dreaming,” a Complete Success

Posted February 21, 2018

The exhibition is on view at the college’s Brooklyn location through April 30. ... MORE

Officer-in-charge Mitchell S. Nesler

Mitchell Nesler Named Officer-in-charge of SUNY Empire State College

Posted February 26, 2018

State University of New York Chancellor Dr. Kristina M. Johnson, has named Vice President for Decision Support Mitchell S. Nesler as officer-in-charge of SUNY Empire State College. ... MORE

Panelists and artists, left to right, Juwana Jenkins, Bendjhi Villiers, Tonya Graves and Johnny Youngblood at the Black History Month celebration in Prague, the Czech Republic. The event, “Black Music 101,” was presented by the U.S. Embassy’s American Center, in cooperation with the college.

SUNY Empire’s International Programs Convenes “Black Music 101,” Honoring Black History Month, in Prague

Posted February 27, 2018

The U.S. Embassy in Prague’s American Center, in cooperation with SUNY Empire State College, presented the event, which was hosted at the University of New York in Prague. ... MORE

Prospectus for a New University College

The Future is Bright as Heroes of Today Champion SUNY Empire State College

Posted February 28, 2018

Nearly 50 years ago, New York State Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller and SUNY Chancellor Ernest L. Boyer conceived a new vision for public higher education in the state of New York, one that would enable adult New Yorkers to advance their careers through the pursuit of a college degree, while also contributing to the economy by answering a growing need for skilled, college-educated workers. ... MORE

Christine McNeely, animal shelter in CNY

SUNY Empire Alumna Christine McNeely ’10 Leads Successful Fundraising Effort for Humane Association of Central NY

Posted March 5, 2018

Over the next couple weeks, Christine McNeely ’10 and the hundreds of homeless cats and dogs under her care will move to a temporary home while theirs – the Humane Association of Central New York – undergoes a major and much-needed renovation, thanks to a successful fundraising campaign led by the SUNY Empire alumna. ... MORE

Merryl Tisch, member of the SUNY Board of Trustees, at left, meets with SUNY Empire students Kelly DiCarmine and Allie Quinn.

SUNY Trustees Meet with SUNY Empire Students

Posted March 15, 2018

Courtney Burke and Merryl Tisch, members of the SUNY Board of Trustees, met with SUNY Empire State College Officer-in-charge Mitch Nesler and students Kelly DiCarmine and Allie Quinn. ... MORE

Students and faculty gathered for the onsite meeting of the Women's and Gender Studies Residency.

Women's and Gender Studies Residency Meets

Posted March 16, 2018

The residency consisted of five exceptional studies designed specifically for this year’s theme, “Gender Roles and Identities: Evolution and Revolution.” ... MORE

Kevin Gover, director of the National Museum of the American Indian.

Kevin Gover, Director of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, Delivers Boyer Family Lecture: “Why Americans Should Unlearn Their History”

Posted March 19, 2018

Gover’s Lecture takes place at 1:30 pm, Wednesday, March 21, at the Saratoga Springs City Center, and live on ESC-TV www.esc.edu/esc-tv. Admission is free and open to the, public. ... MORE

School for Graduate Studies Professors Patricia Isaac, far right, and Donna Mahar, not shown, met with Van Duyn Elementary School teacher to present “Trauma and Literacy.

Professors Donna Mahar and Pat Isaac Present “Trauma and Literacy” to Van Duyn Elementary School Teachers

Posted March 19, 2018

The presentation’s purpose was to improve academic achievement of Van Duyn’s students by supporting their teachers. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday

#FacultyFriday: SUNY Empire Profesora Berta-Isabel Cuadrado Álvarez

Posted March 29, 2018

From a countryside in Toledo, Spain – an ocean and more than 3,500 miles between her and her students – SUNY Empire Profesora Berta-Isabel Cuadrado Álvarez shares her story. ... MORE

Documentary Photographer Christopher Bowman Receives the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Posted April 18, 2018

Christopher Bowman, who will graduate this spring with a bachelor’s in The Arts, with a concentration in documentary photography,enrolled at SUNY Empire in 2013 after a 20-year career as a songwriter and musician. He still performs and continues his work as a sound designer. ... MORE

Justice Favor has received the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Posted April 18, 2018

Favor, a married father of four, will graduate in May with an A.S. in Labor Studies and a 3.83 GPA. ... MORE

Jacqueline Hannon ’15 Receives the Chancellors Award for Student Excellence

Posted April 18, 2018

Hannon completed her Bachelor of Science in Business, Management and Economics, with a concentration in marketing, in 2015, and graduates from SUNY Empire with an MBA in Business Management, and a specialization in International Business, this spring. ... MORE

Wales Brown Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 19, 2018

Wales Brown received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7 in Albany, N.Y. ... MORE

Justice Favor Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 18, 2018

Justice Favor received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany, N.Y. ... MORE

Emily Burns Perryman Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 18, 2018

Emily Burns Perryman received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany, N.Y. ... MORE

Tatiana Parker Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 19, 2018

Tatiana Parker received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany. ... MORE

Thomas Sendgraff Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 19, 2018

Thomas Sendgraff received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany, N.Y. ... MORE

Yolanda Allison Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 19, 2018

Yolanda Allison received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany, N.Y. ... MORE

Terrence Rodgers Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 18, 2018

Terrence Rodgers received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany, N.Y. ... MORE

Lauren Masset Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 18, 2018

Lauren Masset received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany, N.Y. ... MORE

Nandar Winn Kerr Selected for Collegewide Student Affairs Service Award

Posted April 18, 2018

Nandar Winn Kerr received a 2018 Student Service Award at the college’s Student Wellness Retreat, April 5-7, in Albany, N.Y. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Assistant Professor Debra Kram-Fernandez

Posted April 19, 2018

Since joining the college in 2012, Assistant Professor Debra Kram-Fernandez has become known as SUNY Empire’s “go-to person for internships” in Manhattan. She mentors approximately 60 students in the Human Services Division of the Child and Family Studies Department. ... MORE

Nechelle Stolzenberg Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence

Posted April 19, 2018

Stolzenberg will graduate in May with a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Leadership, as well as an Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Management. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Associate Professor Sandra Winn

Posted April 26, 2018

Sandra Winn discusses her experiences as a mentor, how her role has evolved over the years and why the unique mentoring model used by the college is equally rewarding for her and her students. ... MORE

Nandar W. Kerr Selected for Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence

Posted April 26, 2018

Before coming to the U.S., Kerr practiced as a public advocate attorney in her native country, Myanmar. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Executive Vice President for Administration Joseph Garcia

Posted May 4, 2018

Joseph Garcia joined the college in July 2017. His life trajectory, however, had been pointing him in the direction of SUNY Empire since he graduated high school and enlisted in the military. ... MORE

“Re-visioning” Adult Higher Education Webinar Series Takes Place in June

Posted May 2, 2018

“Re-visioning Adult Higher Education, Underrepresented Adults: Power and Identity in American Higher Education,” a four-part webinar series with internationally recognized presenters, takes place this June. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Associate Professor Dr. Rhianna Rogers

Posted May 9, 2018

In addition to teaching courses from her home base in Buffalo, N.Y. and from overseas in Lebanon and the Dominican Republic, Rogers is spearheading the introduction of virtual residencies for SUNY Empire students and faculty. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Professor of Adult Learning and Mentoring Alan Mandell

Posted May 17, 2018

Alan Mandell knows SUNY Empire State College. For more than four decades, he has served as an administrator and mentor in the social sciences. ... MORE

Team SUNY Empire Participates in Bike to Work Day

Posted May 18, 2018

Bike to Work Day is part of a week-long effort, held each spring across the U.S. and Canada, to encourage people to bike to work. ... MORE

Guest Essay: Completing the Academic Journey with My Daughter

Posted May 30, 2018

Mother, Wendy Cummings, and daughter, Alexandra Cummings, graduated together in May. Their degrees were conferred as part of the Jefferson Community College Higher Education Center commencement ceremony. ... MORE

Fourth Annual “Bling Your Cap” Commencement Event a Great Success

Posted June 8, 2018

Nearly 40 students gathered Thursday evening, May 31, at SUNY Empire State College’s Manhattan location, for the fourth annual “Bling Your Cap” commencement event. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Director of European International Programs Sheila Marie Aird

Posted June 13, 2018

Sheila Marie Aird is the director of European International Programs. She oversees the dual-degree programs offered at four of SUNY Empire’s international locations. ... MORE

Mitch-w.-Syracuse-Students

A Message from Officer in Charge Mitchell Nesler to the College Community

Posted June 18, 2018

This year, 3,415 students receive an associate, bachelors, or master’s degree from SUNY Empire State College and join our more than 81,000 alumni worldwide. ... MORE

Sergeant Manuel Jose Vingua '18 Earns an AS; Goes to UCLA

Posted June 26, 2018

"I’ve always wanted to become an Army officer, especially through West Point, but I knew I wasn’t competitive enough for admissions, so I enlisted in the Army as an infantryman right after high school in the summer of 2008," said Vingua. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Regional Operations Coordinator Timothy J. Cosgriff ‘93

Posted June 27, 2018

Timothy J. Cosgriff ’93 is the regional operations coordinator for Western New York. He came to work at the college in 1989, after attending the Spencer School of London for British Butlers and spending time as a private chef. ... MORE

Professor Margaret (Peggy) Tally, a 2018 Recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

Posted July 10, 2018

School for Graduate Studies Professor Margaret (Peggy) Tally is a 2018 recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Undergraduate Studies Mentor Nazik Roufaiel

Posted July 12, 2018

Undergraduate Studies Mentor Nazik Roufaiel has behind her an impressive 35-year career in higher education. Today, she is the department chair of Accounting, Economics and Finance and a full professor. ... MORE

SUNY Empire State College Participates in 2018 SPECTRUM Conference

Posted July 18, 2018

The conference, sponsored by SUNY, provided research-based prevention and response training to “…turn the dial on sexual and interpersonal violence against sexual and gender minorities, while providing the most trauma-informed and culturally-competent response and care when incidents do occur.” ... MORE

Thomas McElroy ‘96, Director of Prior Learning, is a 2018 Recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service

Posted July 18, 2018

The Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service provides SUNY-wide recognition for consistently superior professional achievement and encourages the ongoing pursuit of excellence. ... MORE

Seana Logsdon, a 2018 Recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service

Posted July 26, 2018

Seana Logsdon, director of academic support, is a 2018 recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Executive Director of International Education Francesca Cichello

Posted July 26, 2018

While her personal and professional roots run deep in upstate New York, Francesca Cichello, the executive director of International Education at SUNY Empire, brings a lifetime of intercultural experience to her position. ... MORE

24th Annual Day at the Races is Another Winner

Posted July 30, 2018

Thundershowers did not dampen spirits as alumni, family and friends enjoyed a full day of great company and an afternoon of world-class horse racing. ... MORE

Higher Education and K-12 Collaborate at Learning with Innovative Technology Conference

Posted July 30, 2018

The conference attracts K-12 teachers, higher-education faculty, staff and students, technologists, librarians and other professionals interested in the use of technologies in education. ... MORE

Image of Vice President of Enrollment Management Clayton Steen, left, Desiree Drindak, interim director of the Office of Veteran and Military Education, with Emil Baker, director of military outreach, New York State, who presented her award.

US Department of Defense Honors Desiree Drindak with The Patriot Award

Posted August 1, 2018

Drindak is honored by the U.S. Dept. of Defense with The Patriot Award for her “support and flexibility on behalf of military reserve employees.” ... MORE

Alumni Event Blends Science, the Performing Arts, Teaching and Learning

Posted August 7, 2018

For the first time at this well-attended annual event, a member of the SUNY Empire State College faculty provided remarks. ... MORE

Chancellor Kristina Johnson Visits SUNY Empire

Posted August 10, 2018

Johnson met with SUNY Empire Officer in Charge Mitchell S. Nesler and his cabinet Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 7, 2018. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Director of Alumni & Student Relations Maureen Winney

Posted August 15, 2018

Maureen Winney has more than 30 years of experience in alumni and development. ... MORE

SUNY Empire Rated No. 1 in Overall Student Satisfaction

Posted September 5, 2018

Students report high levels of satisfaction with their overall college experience; academic support and student services; learning critical thinking and effective writing; acquisition of knowledge for further academic study and lifelong intellectual growth and, if starting over, would again choose SUNY Empire. ... MORE

In Recognition of Constitution Day, a Live Panel Discussion, "The Importance of Freedom of the Press," Takes Place Noon, Monday, Sept. 17

Posted September 13, 2018

The live event features SUNY Empire Faculty and a graduate student. ... MORE

Sequoia-Nat-Park-Photographer-Walt-Mather-1200

Art Exhibit “A Sense of Place,” Opens at Syracuse

Posted September 14, 2018

“A Sense of Place,” a curated art exhibit featuring work by the members of the Cortland Art League, opens this fall at the college’s East Syracuse location. ... MORE

#FacultyFriday: Dean of Student Affairs Lisa D'Adamo-Weinstein

Posted September 19, 2018

It’s always been about the students for Lisa D'Adamo-Weinstein, ever since she saw the difference SUNY Empire State College made in her mother’s life. ... MORE

image of two people smiling

Research on Hurricane Devastation in Puerto Rico Leads to Grant Funding for Associate Professors Audeliz Matias and Sheila Aird

Posted October 15, 2018

The Oral History Association, through its Emerging Crisis Oral History Research Fund, has awarded a grant to SUNY Empire State College Associate Professors Audeliz Matias and Sheila Aird for their project, “An Oral History of Hurricane Irma and Maria: A Social, Cultural, and Environmental Crisis in P.R. (Puerto Rico) and U.S.V.I. (U.S. Virgin Islands).” ... MORE

Left to right are: John Corrou ’94, Erin Sullivan ’04, ’13, Emad Rahim ’02, ’03, the 2018 recipients of the Distinguished Leader, Emerging Leader and Community Impact Award, and Officer in Charge Mitchell S. Nesler.

SUNY Empire Veteran and Military Alumni to Be Recognized with Veteran Service Award

Posted November 1, 2018

The Veteran Service Award recognizes a SUNY Empire alumnus and veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who has made a positive impact on the local, national, international, college and/or veteran communities. ... MORE

vote button

Election Day Message from Officer in Charge Mitch Nesler

Posted November 5, 2018

Good morning everybody. Today is Election Day and I encourage everyone to exercise your right to vote. ... MORE

“Year of Indigenous Peoples of the Americas” Is Focus of This Year’s Collegewide Cultural Initiative

Posted November 7, 2018

Programs and activities associated with this year’s theme will take place throughout the 2018-19 academic year. ... MORE

Troy A. Jones, Associate Professor and Mentor in Educational Studies has Died

Posted November 13, 2018

Jones taught statistics, educational studies and children's literature, including courses on social science statistics and writing instruction for elementary school students. ... MORE

A New Book on "Microaggressions” Explores the Impact of Denigrating Messages About Race, Gender, Religion, Sexual Orientation and Many Others

Posted November 19, 2018

By exploring microaggressions in their sociopolitical context, the book looks at the psychology behind these exchanges that leave many people feeling vulnerable, targeted, angry and afraid. ... MORE

Left to right are: Professor Donna Mahar, Eva Williams, principal of Van Duyn Elementary School, Syracuse, N.Y., and Professor Patricia Isaac. Mahar and Isaac “Trauma and Literacy” to Van Duyn’s teachers, with the goal of improving support for teachers and performance of students.

Micro-credential and Digital Badging Project Garners SUNY Funding

Posted December 3, 2018

SUNY’s systemwide TeachNY Implementation Fund has selected the college’s Associate Professor Donna Mahar’s project, “Digital Badges, Micro-credentialing, and Cross-level Collaboration in a Virtual Teaching Laboratory," for funding. ... MORE

At Wreaths Across America, SUNY Empire alumna Dawn Williams ’06 salutes, and employee Joan DuBois covers her heart, immediately after laying wreaths at the graves of veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces.

SUNY Empire Honors U.S. Veterans at Wreaths Across America

Posted December 13, 2018

Nearly 50 members of the SUNY Empire State College community participated in the Wreaths Across America, a national event honoring deceased veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. ... MORE

News from Around the College by Year